Finite Element Investigation of the Behavior of Hot-Rolled Elliptical Hollow Steel Sections Using ABAQUS

Aksakal A. K.

International Journal of Engineering and Innovative Research, cilt.8, sa.2, ss.1-12, 2026 (Hakemli Dergi)

Özet

In this study, the behavior of hot-rolled elliptical hollow steel sections (EHS) under axial and eccentric compression loads was numerically investigated using the finite element method. For this purpose, an EHS specimen with an aspect ratio of 2 and dimensions of 150x75x4 mm, for which experimental results are available in the literature, was modeled in the ABAQUS finite element software. The finite element model was validated by comparing the obtained axial load capacity, load–displacement behavior, and deformation mode with the experimental findings. Following the validation stage, nonlinear parametric analyses were performed on models with outer cross-sectional dimensions of 150x75 mm by varying wall thickness, eccentricity, and steel mechanical strength. In the analyses, the axial load capacity and the corresponding displacement values were obtained. The results showed that an increase in wall thickness significantly enhanced the axial load capacity across all loading conditions, whereas an increase in eccentricity considerably reduced it by inducing additional bending effects. Although the higher-strength steel increased the load-carrying capacity, the magnitude of this increase was comparatively modest relative to the effects of wall thickness and load eccentricity. The findings demonstrate that the finite element method provides a useful approach for evaluating the axial compression capacity and deformation behavior of EHS members, and that wall thickness, eccentricity effects, and the buckling mechanism should be considered together in capacity assessment.